Toyota Corolla

The entry-level Corolla LE comes with 16-inch steel wheels, LED running lights, and heated side exterior mirrors. This base trim also has a remote keyless entry system. A step up to the XLE adds 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power sunroof. Another bump to the SE gets you 18-inch dark alloy wheels, a gloss black mesh grille, and gray side rocker panels. The XSE is the top trim. It comes standard with a power sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a gray metallic rear spoiler.

The base powertrain for the Corolla sedan and hatchback is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine with 139 horsepower. You can also get it with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine that puts out 169 horsepower if you like your compact to have some extra punch. It works with Toyota's continuously variable automatic transmission and comes with front-wheel drive. The sedan offers a hybrid powertrain for added fuel efficiency and all-wheel drive.

The ride in the Corolla, whether you have the sedan or the hatchback, is smooth and quiet. This small car is agile, which drivers will appreciate when driving in the city or over windy back roads. The sport-tuned suspension with the SE and XSE stiffens up the ride, but it still has a responsive steering system and strong brakes. The new 2.0-liter engine has more muscle than the previous 1.8-liter, and it's more fuel efficient, too. No matter which trim you have, the Corolla's three drive modes give you more control, with Sport, Eco, and Normal to choose from.

There's room for up to five people in the Corolla sedan and hatchback. The LE comes with high-quality cloth upholstery, and you'll get simulated leather in the XLE. This bump also adds a power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The SE has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and sport-bolstered front seats, and the XSE has an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support.

Technology in the Corolla starts with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth with connectivity for two devices, USB-C ports, and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster. It also comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XLE trim upgrades the driver information display to a 7-inch color screen. A Wi-Fi hotspot is available depending on the trim, for easy connecting to the internet no matter where you go.

Every new Toyota Corolla has the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 group of safety systems. This bundle includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The XLE adds a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, and the XSE has adaptive headlights that will swivel when you turn the steering wheel to provide better light when taking corners.